Learn the Art of Self Massage
Benefits of Abhyanga - Self Massage
Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic practice which restores the balance of the doshas, enhancing overall wellbeing.
Traditionally Abhyanga is practiced with warm oil in which you anoint your entire body from head to toe.
The Sanskrit word for Sneha can be translated as both ‘oil’ and ‘love’ It is believed that there is no greater expression of self-love than the effects of Abhyanga literally saturating oneself in love.
A regular practice nourishes the entire body helping to ground and enhance overall wellbeing.
Steps to follow for Self-Massage
I have modified the practice using the TEMPL rose body oil. This practice is adapted to be more of a self-love massage. In Abyhanga you would traditionally warm a ¼ cup of oil to lather the body. Instead, in this practice make sure you are feeling warm; (this is perfect to do after a shower or bath while your skin is still moist).. In this practice instead make sure you are feeling warm, this is perfect to do after a shower or bath while your skin is still moist.
Starting with half a dropper of oil in your palms start with massaging your feet, spending at least a couple of minutes on each foot - there are lots of pressure points and nerve endings on the bottoms of the feet which directly affect all the organs of the body.
Keep adding half a dropper of oil as you move over the body.
From here, work your way up from your ankles to your legs. Use longer strokes on the limbs (legs and arms) and more circular motions around the joints (elbows and knees) Always move towards the direction of the heart.
Massage the abdomen and using clockwise circular motions, follow the path of the intestines, moving up the right side, across and down the left.
From here moving up over the chest area, massage the breasts again using circular motions. Massage over the heart area and radiate love through your hands into your skin.
Move into your arms using longer strokes on the arms and circular movements around the elbows and wrists and finally massage into the hands and fingers.
Allow a few moments for the oils to seep into the skin and penetrate deeper into the body.
Benefits of Abhyanga
- Nourishes the entire body
- Imparts muscle tone
- Imparts a firmness to the limbs
- Lubricates the joints
- Increases circulation
- Stimulates the internal organs of the body
- Assists in elimination of impurities from the body
- Moves the lymph, aiding in detoxification
- Increases stamina
- Calms the nerves
- Benefits sleep—better, deeper sleep
